However, Hopkins will only be able to join the NBC project if his current show Cougar Town is not renewed for a fourth season.

Cougar Town's creator Bill Lawrence also urged the show's fans not to worry about Hopkins's casting in Lady Friends, joking on Twitter: "I'm still betting we will survive and that pilot will be screwed. But I'm an optimistic guy."

As well as starring as Grayson in Cougar Town, Hopkins has appeared in shows such as Ally McBeal, Brothers & Sisters, Swingtown and Private Practice.